Long-distance moving is one of the most challenging types of relocation, right after an international relocation. While some people just throw in everything they have at the back of the van and get moving, a successful long-distance move requires a lot of planning and preparation. Our expert moving tips will help you experience a seamless, stress-free long-distance move.
1. Plan ahead
Give yourself at least a month within which you will start decluttering and packing for your move, clearing any pending matters with the current property, and reaching out to a reliable moving company. Engaging movers means that you will be entrusting your belongings to someone else, which should not be a rushed decision.
When making the ultimate choice on the moving company, go for trustworthy movers who travel far and wide. Take your time to know who you will be working with, read user reviews, talk to previous customers, and look through their moving packages. Do not forget to ask about their incentives and insurance policies so that they won’t surprise you later with hidden charges.
2. Insure your belongings
Your household items will be in the back of a truck for thousands of miles, and a lot can happen on the way, or during loading and unloading. With moving being a high-risk activity, insurance coverage protects you from anything that can go wrong as you move. Talk to your long-distance moving company to better explain what different coverage packages mean. Insuring your belongings as you move house protects you from an expensive financial disaster that a long-distance move can present.
3. Have an inventory list
Insurance companies and moving companies will want to know what you are moving to work out an appropriate charge. The only way to keep track of your belongings is by having an inventory list. This will also help you stay organized as you unpack items when you reach your destination.
4. Pack for a long journey
During the move, your household items will be handled by multiple workers and be on the road for a long time. Remember that boxes might be turned upside down, to their side, or packed on top of each other.
It is important to make sure that you use high-quality packaging supplies and boxes, pack each box full to the top, and seal all containers before placing them in the boxes. Pack fragile items into cushioned boxes or bubble wrap them using clothing like bedsheets and towels for protection.
5. Stay organized
Organizing your belongings as you pack is a great time-saver. Group and pack items in labeled specialty boxes where you indicate whether the contents are fragile or not, the room the contents belong to, and whether they are essential for your ‘Day One’ use once you arrive in your new home. Organizing your boxes will speed up your move and also make their handling easier for the movers.
6. Take note of the delivery window
Cross-country moves may pose numerous logistics challenges, making it difficult to pinpoint an exact delivery date. What most moving companies provide you with is a “delivery window.” Ensure you have enough necessities to cover you within that period, with an allowance of a few extra days to give room for any unforeseen encounters on the road.
Endnote
The best way to have a seamless long-distance move is to be ready for it, plan what to do, and know how to do it. If the entire moving process is overwhelming for you, consider hiring a professional moving company to handle the process from packing to unpacking for you.
